Brand new transit experience starts September 2

Over 5,000 daily transit riders will experience the benefits of a new transit route structure when the Bethel Transit Terminal opens on September 2, 2014.

Following four years of public discussion and planning, Strathcona County Transit’s new route structure promises improved service to key local destinations, better connections and shorter travel times for most areas to a commuter bus and local destinations.

The new route structure involves the majority of commuter service, including evenings and weekends, travelling from the new Bethel Transit Terminal, located on the corner of Bethel Drive and Broadway Boulevard in Sherwood Park. This $23 million transportation hub anchors intermunicipal transit services between Strathcona County and Edmonton, while serving as a base for local bus service in Sherwood Park. The region’s largest terminal features a climate-controlled building, improved pedestrian and cyclist access complete with bike lockers, as well as over 1,200 parking stalls.

“Strathcona County builds its success on connecting people to where they need to go,” says Mayor Roxanne Carr. “The new Transit route structure is based on what we heard from residents throughout the planning process. The result is an easy to understand Transit service featuring shorter travel times, more service to local destinations and improved connections.”

The routes have been intentionally designed to match passengers’ travel needs. For example, there is a base service that runs all day, along with peak hour routes that operate in different directions in the morning and afternoon. This enables Transit to best transport passengers to and from the Bethel Transit Terminal and the commuter routes. By consolidating Transit’s commuter routes, there are more buses that operate with more passengers per trip. To best meet demand, low use routes were discontinued and resources were redeployed elsewhere.

“There are approximately 500 additional homes that will benefit from the new route structure,” says Transit Director Matt Carpenter. “Using the new Bethel Transit Terminal as the base for service, we were able to redistribute our existing fleet to best meet the needs of our growing community.”

As part of the new route structure, most route numbers have changed. Transit users are encouraged to view short video clips and maps that outline the new routes. Riders can also call Transit Customer Service Representatives at 780-464-7433 for assistance. In addition, Transit operators and staff on-site are available to assist and answer questions about the new route structure.

Set in the centre of Alberta's energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of more than 92,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.